The Linguistics Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) announced on Wednesday that it will launch a 334 million forint (EUR 1.06 million) study to unify Hungarian sign language, so that it may be introduced into the education system by 2017, as stipulated by a 2009 law.

MTA President József Pálinkás said at the launch event that a community can be measured by how well it caters for its members with disabilities, including those with a hearing impairment. He praised the 2009 law and thanked Government representatives for their help in making the study a reality.

Minister of State for Social and Family Affairs Miklós Soltész pointed out that the Hungarian Constitution stipulates the protection of Hungarian sign language as an integral part of national culture, adding that a similar study aimed at sign interpreting will shortly be launched at a cost of 540 million forints (EUR 1.72 million).

MEP Ádám Kósa – the first Member of the European Parliament to use the sign language – signalled at the event that the current Hungarian legislation does not treat people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment as patients who need treatment, but rather as valuable members of society who need assistance. He also said the programme will improve the quality of life for approximately 10,000 Hungarians with hearing difficulties.

(Ministry of Human Resources)